Despite the vast majority of players being vaccinated, Kyrie Irving’s hold-out has generated countless conversations about the COVID-19 anti-vaxx community.
His refusal to take the shot has essentially disqualified him from the season, and the Nets have been left to the wind as they try to figure out how to adapt without him.
Among the many voices speaking out about his actions/beliefs is Magic Johnson, who had some strong words to say about the responsibilities a player has to his teammates.
(via CBS)
“You have said to your teammates, ‘I’m gonna be there for you,'” Johnson said. “Well, you can’t be there if you don’t get vaccinated. You’re letting them down. And then that hurts our chances of winning a championship. I would never do that to my teammates. Never.”
He also noted the impact players have as role models in the community.
“I got my two shots and made sure I put it out on social media,” said Johnson. “I wanted, especially my community, to know, first of all, it’s safe. And the players, again, people listen to them, they follow them. That’s very important.”
Kyrie has been the main catalyst behind the NBA’s civil war, which will keep going until the mandates change or Irving decides to get vaccinated.
In the meantime, we can keep expecting players and fans alike to share their own thoughts on the situation.
“I’m obviously a strong believer in the vaccine,” said Karl-Anthony Towns. “I’ve been through so much and it would be kind of contradictory to not be on the pro-vaccine side. But what I will say is that I believe in choice and I like to give people their choice and I have no problem with people having their choice. I think that’s not only a human right, but it’s an American right as well….They make their own decisions on their own bodies for their own families. I have no ill will towards that. The only thing I would say is just don’t give me a b******t excuse why [you don’t get the vaccine]….You don’t want to do it, that’s your choice.”
Needless to say, the NBA is in a sensitive situation right now, and all eyes are watching to see how this will play out.
As for Magic, he has made his stance known. And for a guy who dealt with his own health crisis back in the day, it’s no surprise to hear his opinion on the subject.
